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I-70 Utah: No bull, no service for 106 miles

Consider today’s column a public service announcement: If you’re ever driving on I-70 between the towns of Salina and Green River, do yourself a favor and check your gas gauge. It could save you a lot of grief.

That’s because out of the thousands and thousands of miles that make up America’s vast interstate highway system — almost 50,000 at last count — there is no longer stretch of blacktop without services than the one between Green River on the east and Salina on the west right here in Utah.

My 1995 Astrovan gets 6 MPG. I keep it basically as a mobile parts shed when I infrequently go out on big installation jobs. Thank God it has a huge gas tank - 28 gallons - because with even a 20 gallon tank, I'd be cutting it awfully close. Back during the gas shortages of the 1970s, I commonly had to allow for a 70 mile journey from Concord, New Hampshire to Hanover with no service available in between... and with no cell phone. I had a 1973 Oldsmobile Custom Cruiser, which had the third worst fuel milage of any car ever tested by the EPA, and the only two that "beat" it were a Lamborgini and a Ferrari, And the Custom Cruiser had that screwy electric rear door that contracted to under the rear deck, necessitating a smaller than standard gas tank. When the performance of my 455", 4bbl V-8 (the only engine available) functionally deteriorate to a V-3, I was probably only getting 4 miles to the gallon and could barely make the 70 miles.

No service for 106 miles....and for many years no cell service either.(Personally, that's a good thing!!) I know this section of I70 well. We've spent several vacations in the region. Going from East to West, it crosses the San Rafael Swell, a beautiful geographic area of Central Utah. We have camped, hiked, mountain biked and explored many parts of the Swell. Unbeknownst to most travelers, a mile or 2 North or South of the hiway are spectacular vistas and deep canyons, all accessible via the many "Ranch Exits" along the route. My advice, fill up in Green River and set out for a day of exploring, you'll be impressed whats available just a short distance from an Interstate!!!

If you do a YouTube search for I-70 Utah or I-70 Colorado, look for driving time-lapse videos by FreewayBrent, FreewayJim, InterstateKyle, or ScrewdUPClickV2 to get an idea. I have a planned road trip where I plan to drive those those sections.

My 1995 Astrovan gets 6 MPG. I keep it basically as a mobile parts shed when I infrequently go out on big installation jobs. Thank God it has a huge gas tank - 28 gallons - because with even a 20 gallon tank, I'd be cutting it awfully close. Back during the gas shortages of the 1970s, I commonly had to allow for a 70 mile journey from Concord, New Hampshire to Hanover with no service available in between... and with no cell phone. I had a 1973 Oldsmobile Custom Cruiser, which had the third worst fuel milage of any car ever tested by the EPA, and the only two that "beat" it were a Lamborgini and a Ferrari, And the Custom Cruiser had that screwy electric rear door that contracted to under the rear deck, necessitating a smaller than standard gas tank. When the performance of my 455", 4bbl V-8 (the only engine available) functionally deteriorate to a V-3, I was probably only getting 4 miles to the gallon and could barely make the 70 miles.

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My mom and dad had the '72 version of that Olds Custom Cruiser - it could pass everything on the road except a gas station, especially when towing a 5000 pound travel trailer and the whole family. I seem to recall it got a bit better than 4 MPG, however....

I have driven this section of highway many times. Usually get gas In Grand Junction or Richfield. Have bought gas at Green River (Arby's in the gas station). I don't ever remember the mileage between stops ever being a big deal for me.

I did enjoy this sign on I-15 between I-70 and St. George Utah though:

My van can go 300 miles on a full tank ... I've driven more than 400 miles on long trips at highway speeds. I'd probably fill up in Salina or Green River (depending on direction of travel) if I was past the 200 mile trip mark.

The good news is gas in Salina is $3.199 or $3.499. Green River is $3.349 or $3.399 depending on the station. No $4.999 rip off prices such as near the Orlando airport.

My mom and dad had the '72 version of that Olds Custom Cruiser - it could pass everything on the road except a gas station, especially when towing a 5000 pound travel trailer and the whole family. I seem to recall it got a bit better than 4 MPG, however....

Click to expand...

I think the EPA highway figure was 6.7 or 6.9 MPG, but I had severe engine damage that reduced my performance to three or four cylinders. Because of that,I was also getting just 40 miles to each quart of oil.